Death By Tampon: Toxic Shock Syndrome & How Women Can Avoid It

Feminine hygiene products are a mandatory part of life for women. Whether you prefer to use pads or tampons, it's going to be a product on your monthly shopping list. For those who prefer tampons to wings, it's important to know that you're at a higher risk for a condition called Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).

This infection can cause death in up to 50% of cases and symptoms can return in those that survive

What Is Toxic Shock Syndrome?

TSS is a bacterial infection that results from leaving a tampon in for too long. It's rare, but it's considered a severe condition that should be addressed immediately by a medical professional.

Should you think you're suffering from this condition, you need to call your healthcare provider or call emergency services as soon possible. You may be able to call your doctor if the symptoms are minor, but for more severe cases it's better to call 911 and don't risk driving since extreme dizziness is known to accompany this infection.

Symptoms of Toxic Shock Syndrome

If you think you may have this particular infection, there are some tell-tell signs that can give you a better chance of getting treatment before the symptoms get worse. The symptoms are more likely to be more intense during menstration.

High Fever & Chills

Diarrhea

Confusion

Low Blood Pressure

Aching Muscles

Nausea & Vomiting

Organ Failure- most common with kidneys and liver

Seizures

Redness of eyes, mouth and throat

A rash that spreads over a period of 2 weeks. This rash usually resembles a sunburn as is most commonly found on the soles of the feet and palms of the hands.

Another reason this is such a dangerous disease is because the person suffering from this can actually go into shock. It's important to realize one of the worst things one can do is freak out because this will affect your heart rate and speech. Try to stay calm and get to a phone so you're able to speak clearly.

Factors That Increase Your Risk

Recent Child Birth

Having a pre-existing staph infection

Surgery and wounds caused by surgery (incisions)

If you're a regular tampon user

What Treatments Are Available?

It's going to depend on how severe your case is, but there are a wide variety of treatment options available including

Antibiotics for a minor infection

Dialysis if the there was major kidney damage

Fluids administered through an IV

Blood pressure medication prescribed by your doctor

Staying in the hospital for monitoring

Prevention

When using tampons, be sure to change them every 8 to 14 hours. Never leave a tampon in for over 24 hours. Carry 4 tampons with you everywhere you go, especially if you're going to the mall with your friends.

Set an alarm on your cell phone if you fear you'll forget. You can also opt for changing to primarily using pads instead of always using tampons.

Only use the absorbency you need to prevent leaks. If you only need a regular absorbency then don't a product designed for those with a heavier menstrual flow. Using a tampon that isn't absorbent enough is going to leave you feeling unprotected and allow leaks.

Using these methods to prevent Toxic Shock Syndrome will allow you to use a product that is better suited for you without you fearing death by a tampon.

Comments

Aug 13, 2013 9:29am

vicdillinger
This is excellent!! I was in high-school when toxic shock syndrome first came to the fore in the general media, though docs and ob/gyns had certainly seen it and knew of it before then. It's good you brought it up again, because the condition can STILL hit certain women under the wrong circumstances. A thumb's up and a +1!

Aug 13, 2013 9:56am

jadedkoala
Thanks so much! I'm glad you enjoyed the article. The compliment really means a lot to me :-)

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